Phyllis Migwi Exits Microsoft Kenya Ahead of East Africa Azure Cloud Launch
Her departure comes as Microsoft prepares to bring its East Africa Azure cloud region and a local data centre online, marking a shift from investment announcements to operational delivery.
Microsoft ’s Kenya operations will see a leadership change in February, as Country Manager Phyllis Migwi steps down after three and a half years at the helm. The tech giant has launched a formal search for her successor to continue driving its digital agenda across the region.
Migwi shared the news on LinkedIn, reflecting on her tenure as “enriching” and emphasizing the critical role Microsoft plays in Kenya and East Africa. She noted that initiatives ranging from government engagement to empowering local businesses and communities have laid a strong foundation, and stressed the importance of finding a vision-led leader to build on this momentum.
Her departure comes as Microsoft prepares to bring its East Africa Azure cloud region and a local data centre online, marking a shift from investment announcements to operational delivery. The company is actively seeking a new Country Manager to oversee this next chapter, as the organization continues to scale its cloud, AI, and digital infrastructure initiatives.
Under Migwi’s leadership, Microsoft significantly strengthened its footprint in Kenya’s tech ecosystem. The company hosted Africa’s largest Global AI Tour in Nairobi in 2025, championed AI adoption in sectors including healthcare, finance, and retail, and expanded broadband access in rural areas through its Airband program. Microsoft also announced a $1 billion digital investment in partnership with UAE-based G42, anchored by a green data centre that will serve as the foundation for the new Azure region.
Microsoft’s Kenya strategy has centered on cloud computing, AI, digital skills development, and enabling SMEs and startups with technology tools to modernize operations and scale efficiently. These efforts aim to boost employability, enhance industry innovation, and strengthen the country’s AI and digital capabilities.
The leadership transition also coincides with Microsoft’s global shift toward a hybrid work model, requiring employees to work from the office three days per week. The new country manager will lead the Kenyan team through this transition while continuing to expand Microsoft’s impact in the region.
